Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
The Impressionism art movement of the 19th century. They changed the way art was painted and perceived. I also love picture book illustration of the '40s and '50s.

Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?

As a child, I always had a pad and textas wherever l went! At school I was terrible at maths and science, so it was a given I would do something in art.

Can you share a photo of your creative workspace or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I am lucky to have a beautiful studio in my garden. It is a nice space and has air con. I actually tidied up for the photo, but it still looks a bit messy!

What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I enjoy the whole process, but love it when an idea or image pops into my head and I have to get it on the paper.

What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Just keep going! Join a class if you need to freshen up your skills. I did a few different things along the way, but I always came back to drawing and it probably wasn’t until about 8 years ago that I decided l wanted to dive head first into the world of Kid Lit and see where it took me.

Prue was born in Melbourne. After studying Art and Design, she worked in advertising, which led to her dream job - illustrating and designing record covers for EMI Australia. During this time, she illustrated a junior fiction novel, The Lilly-Pilly and developed a love for a limited palette. After years of painting and ceramics, she returned to her passion for illustration. Prue is looking forward to illustrating three picture books during the next 12 months. She would love to write and illustrate her own picture book one day. You can follow Prue on facebook or find out more via her website.